Madonna Inn

I asked a friend recently to tell me about their most memorable hotel experience.   “The Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, California,” he said without hesitation.  “They have caveman rooms!”

As it turns out, the Madonna Inn offers a variety of themed suites to fulfill just about every vacation fantasy.  Inspiration for the 110 themed suites ranges from merry-go-rounds to Yosemite National Park’s Bridal Veil Falls.  Sixteen of these suites include a unique “rock shower” and fourteen include in-room waterfalls!

Read More »

The themed courtyard at the Best Western Cairn Croft in Niagara Falls

When my husband and I were looking for a weekend away during his electrical apprenticeship, money was certainly an issue.  The Man was still in school, after all.  We left the kids with his parents and on recommendation from his well-traveled father (who has worked in nearly every town in Ontario), we decided to stay at the Best Western Cairn Croft.

About a 30 minute walk to The Falls and away from all the noise and people, the Cairn Croft was a clean, inexpensive alternative to anything else we could have found at the lower end of the price point without sleeping with critters.  We checked in, change into dinner clothes and walked down to the main drag.

After spending too much money on dinner at the Spicy Olive (delicious food, but spendy), we took in the sights and a romantic ride on the Ferris Wheel.  By the time we walked all the way back to the hotel, our feet had given up on us.  The stay itself was uneventful, clean and for all intents and purposes, the hotel functioned as it should without any issues.  I would venture to say it was more of a family hotel than anything – given the pool and amenities geared toward kids.  We faced the courtyard pictured above and while people were respectful, it was still noisy with all the foot traffic through there.  The best part?  Walking to our car behind the hotel, late in the evening, and catching a bride smoking a cigarette in her wedding dress.  Klassy!

Now that The Man is a full fledged electrician though?  I expect to stay in the hub-bub next time and in a 5 star.  Value is great, but some days I’d like to pretend we have more money than brains.  If only just for a weekend of pampered bliss.

Photo credit: Best Western

Four Seasons Chicago

My two favorite hotels in the world are The Ritz Carlton in Orlando and The Four Seasons in Chicago.

Of course, I’ve never once spent the night at either of those places.

My experience with hotels is usually focused on “let’s see how little I can spend without getting bug bites.”  It’s rare, to put it mildly, for me to even consider forking over $400 or more to sleep in a bed – even if it’s a great bed with high thread count sheets.

But oh, how I love a little taste of luxury.

So I cheat.

It’s not actually cheating, per say, but I have found that luxury hotels offer more in the way of luxury than just an overnight stay.  Specifically, I like to indulge in the spas and restaurants of these fine hotels.

The best meal I’ve ever had was at Seasons Restaurant, the restaurant located on the seventh floor of the Four Seasons Chicago Hotel.  Your typical bread basket came in the form of a bread display, and my perfect white table cloth was removed of all crumbs by a small golden contraption resembling a straight edge razor.  The food was beyond divine, and the service was extraordinary.

One of my dining partners asked what beverages were available and our waiter responded with “what would you like?  If we don’t have it, we’ll get it.”

I am not a hard core foodie, but I could become one after eating at Seasons Restaurant.  And I would use words like “caramelized” with reverence and love.

The bill came up to about $125 per person.  That bought us a four hour dining experience, four gourmet courses and a dessert coated with actual gold flecks.

We left the Four Seasons and retired to our $69 per night hotel room with full bellies and angelic smiles.

I’ve never dined (or spent the night) at The Ritz Carlton in Orlando, but I have spent more than one day there soaking in the lap of luxury.  I go to The Ritz for their spa.

Spa NAPS at The Ritz Orlando

The Ritz offers a full spa menu – everything from pedicures to massages – including the massages that involve someone walking on your back.  Of course, there are dozens of places to get pedicures and massages for less money in the Orlando area.

What makes The Ritz unique is that one spa treatment (even if it’s just a pedicure), gives you access to their entire spa and facilities for the day.  I lounge on a comfy couch in one of their relaxation rooms before my “treatments”, and then enjoy a leisurely sit in the steam room afterward.  I might also take a dip in the pool or relax in the sauna before heading off to the showers – which are private and well stocked with amenities.

I might pay just over $100 for an hour long massage, but I typically spend several hours unwinding in an environment of luxury and opulence.

When I’m done, I head home to my own bed where I sleep for free – and boy, do I sleep well.

The great thing about luxury hotels is that they excel at service.  That means that you will never be treated like an interloper while enjoying their non-guestroom amenities.  For a few hours, you’ll be treated like a star, without having to pay a star quality room rate.

Photos courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel and Ritz Carlton Orlando Resort Grande Lakes

Chateau Marmont, by Alan Light

HOTEL SITE

Jesse Spencer of House

CELEBS SPOTTED: Clare Danes, Christopher Lloyd, Lindsay Lohan, Lily Allen, Demi Moore, Anthony Kiedis, David Cook, Robert Deniro, Dita Von Teese, Jesse Spencer, Josh Hartnett, Eliza Dushku, Zac Effron, Rosario Dawson, Leonardo, DiCaprio, Katy Perry

Originally built as apartments in the late ’20s, Chateau Marmont in Hollywood became a hotel in 1931 and it’s been a celebrity hot-spot ever since. Infamous because it’s where the late, great John Belushi died in 1982, it’s never stopped the stars from hanging out.

Everyone from Elizabeth Taylor to Jim Morrison to James Dean to Lindsay Lohan has spent time at the Chateau Marmont. The Red Hot Chili Peppers have even recorded songs there.

Private terraces and balconies abound at the Chateau Marmont

The founder of Columbia Pictures, Harry Cohn, once said, “If you must get in trouble, do it at the Chateau Marmont.” I don’t want trouble, really, just to live it up in the manner to which I’d like to become accustomed.

Where the stars sleep

There are 63 rooms, cottages, and bungalows at the Chateau, many of which have full kitchens. Yeah, there’s something to be said for apartment buildings that have been converted into hotels. Since the hotel was built to be earthquake-proof (and has survived quite a few of them), the walls are all rather thick – even soundproof – so if you’re looking to host a party, this might be the perfect place.

Living it up Chateau style

Junior Suites with a queen-sized bed, kitchen, and dining area start at $480 a night. A Two-Bedroom Suite with queen bed, twin beds, dining room, kitchen, and private balcony (overlooking the pool) begins at $835 a night. Bungalows range from $520-$1,800 a night.

The Suite Life at Chateau Marmont

And the Penthouse? You can get a one-bedroom with king-sized bed, living room with hardwood floors, formal dining room, kitchen, and two private patio terraces for a mere $2,200 per night. The two-bedroom penthouse includes working fireplace and goes for only $3,700 a night. The views from the penthouse? Spectacular. Sigh, yeah, when I’m rich and famous, I suppose.

The hotel features amenities such as a heated pool, free wifi, cashmere throws, maid service (twice a day, because clearly you’re that filthy), and even a 24-hour shoe shine. I don’t know about you, but that’s a long time to spend shining my shoes. I have things to do!

The Bar Marmont is famous for its ambiance and cuisine, as well as being one of the favorite places for celebs to be seen. Highly recommended you make reservations, of course, because otherwise you’re likely to be shut out and forced to hit an In-and-Out Burger, not that that’s a bad thing. But when you’re expecting high-class and cool, a burger joint may be a bit of a let-down.

Bar Marmont

Katy Perry hanging at the Chateau Marmont

Of course, there are plenty of restaurants within walking distance of the Chateau Marmont. There’s the Curry Palace and Sunset Thai, amongst many others. It’s Hollywood, after all.

If it’s good enough for the old-school stars like Clark Gable, as well as the newbies such as Katy Perry, the Chateau Marmont is good enough for you. And if it’s not, I don’t know if we can be friends when I’m all big and famous.

Photo Credits

Top photo by Alan Light

Cheeca Lodge and Spa

HOTEL SITE

Jim Carrey

CELEBS SPOTTED: President George Herbert Walker Bush, Chrissie Evert, Gisele Bundchen, Adriana Lima, Salma Hayek, Kevin Costner, Jack Nicklaus, Forest Whitaker, Jim Carrey, Brooke Burke, Denise Austin, Pink, Billy Idol, Jennifer Lopez, Bruce Campbell, Jane Seymour, Katie Couric, Jason Alexander

Called the “Queen of the Florida Keys,” the Cheeca Lodge & Spa is located in the beautiful Islamorada in the Keys, and you’re likely to spot a number of famous people while staying there. It’s kind of a hideaway for the stars. Everyone from Salma Hayek to Katie Couric to even President George H.W. Bush has stayed at the Cheeca, and with good reason. It’s on a glorious 27-acre estate, full of luxurious views. NOTE: the Cheeca is due to reopen in December, 2009.

Cheeca Lodge Dining Outdoors

With rates starting as low as $250 per night, you’ll find the classic Keys style, mixed with West Indies decor…something the Cheeca calls “barefoot elegance.” There are 212 rooms, suites, and bungalows – you won’t be disappointed.

Beautiful rooms and amazing views at the Cheeca

The new Oceanfront and Island View Suites give you over 840 square feet, gorgeous ocean views, hot tubs, rain showers for two…all very romantic. And the Spa is nothing to sneeze at, either. Lots of different packages for you to choose from.

The Spa at the Cheeca

Casual Keys meets West Indies at the Cheeca Lodge

Amenities include oceanfront pool, a wooden fishing pier, tennis courts, golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus himself, private beach, fitness center, Camp Cheeca (for the kids), biking, Starbucks and Tazo Teas in your room, wifi, and several restaurants to choose from.

Dock at Cheeca Lodge & Spa

Islamorada has amazing restaurants, and the Cheeca Lodge & Spa has some of the best. In fact, Florida Trend magazine calls the Cheeca’s eating spots one of “Florida’s 500 Best Places to Dine.” There’s Atlantic’s Edge, with delicious seafood and steaks, as well as a magnificent hot breakfast buffet. The Lobby Bar serves cocktails, and the Tiki Bar is a beachfront spot with a view of the ocean, as well as drinks and Bahama stone crab claws. Nikai is the newest restaurant, offering fresh sushi and Asian cuisine.

Hot Tub at the Cheeca

Salma Hayek

It’s no wonder the likes of Gisele Bundchen and Jennifer Lopez love the Cheeca. They get treated like the stars they are, and so can you. Think I’ll make it a point to head down to the Keys. I mean, I live in Florida…how have I never been there? Papa Hemingway awaits.

Photo Sources: Hotel Photos taken from Cheeca Lodge web site, Celebrity photos

If you know of a place that makes a good fit for Celebrity Hotel of the Week, please let me know. I can be reached at southernyank01@gmail.com

Sheraton Carlsbad

Normally I am a frugal traveler, opting for inexpensive but comfortable lodgings near my destination.  For our family’s trip to Legoland, however, the adjoining Sheraton Carlsbad offered us a significant discount, so we chose to stay there during our visit.  What follows is our true-life experience.

We pulled up to the front door of the Sheraton Carlsbad on a chilly humid evening.  Both of the children were jarred from their sleep, and when I came out to the carport after checking I could hear their screams of dissatisfaction from very far away.  When I turned around, the staff of the hotel had come to the rescue!  They brought out a tiny teddy bear wearing a blue Sheraton robe for each child, calming them down right away.  I nearly swooned with gratitude.

That was my introduction to the hotel, which opened this March.  The lobby is enormous and easy on the eyes with a business center off to the left upon entrance that is hard to miss.  Flower arrangements are made of Legos!  The pool area is a family fun zone, with pool noodles and swim diapers at the ready, and plenty of shallow areas for the little ones.  On the lawns surrounding, outdoor game equipment is laid out for anyone to enjoy.  Bathrooms and showers are close at hand.  It’s incredibly inviting and convenient.

Up in the room, the two big comfy beds gave us plenty of space to spread out.  Unfortunately, the digital television takes a long time to respond to commands, and with two cranky small children who could not wait one more second to be hypnotized by TV, that was frustrating.  Also, there were no surfaces high enough to put forbidden items out of reach of the 2-year-old, so I put those things into the wardrobe, hoping he wouldn’t explore and find them.  I tried unsuccessfully to use the in-room safe, and the climate control never quite worked in our room despite our request for an engineer to come up and lower the temperature.

We appreciated the Starbucks coffee with a single cup brewer that was right there for us to use in the morning.  Now that it was light, we discovered the balcony which was only wide enough to stand or sit, and just the right height of furniture for our children to try and launch themselves overboard, so we didn’t make use of that.

The kids enjoyed making monkey faces in the full-length mirror

The main amenity that attracted us to this location was its proximity to Legoland.  Indeed, there is a special entrance from the Sheraton grounds into the park at the back end that you can get to by walking, but we took advantage of the courtesy shuttle to bring our family and our friends right to the front entrance of the park.  The driver gave us a special card with the number to call to arrange pickup at the end of the day, and off we went for our Legoland adventure.

A little boy looks forward to his big day at Legoland from inside his room at the Sheraton Carlsbad

Traveler beware:  on a Friday night in the summertime (hence the height of the season) at closing time, everyone and their mother (literally) is calling to get a ride back to the Sheraton at the same time.  We called ahead for the shuttle to come in ten minutes.  After several phone calls and 45 minutes of us waiting, trying to decide if we should just walk back instead, Lisa, a concierge at the hotel, grabbed the keys and came and got us herself.  By the time we got back to our room we were tired, dirty, cranky, and starving.  The children were bouncing off the walls and demanding cookies and candy.  The staff took pity on us and sent us dinner at poolside, so at least we were able to relax in the pool and finally get some food.

(Incidentally, the food, while pricey as expected at fancy hotel, was delicious.)

In concept, the courtesy shuttle to Legoland is a perfect idea.  Where else would you want to stay if convenience and luxury are your top priorities?  (Those, and an awesome pool.)  All of it is close to the beach, so not only do you get fancy hotel pool and Legoland, you get some local flavor and oceanside exploration as well.  Just be aware that you might have to, well, wait a while, and that it might be worth it just to walk.

Choosing the right hotel for your traveling needs begins with considering what kind of traveling you’ll be doing.

I’ve already discussed booking a kid friendly hotel for family vacations.  On the complete opposite of the travel spectrum, we have the most exotic sounding and, typically, least enjoyable experience of traveling for business.

A hotel that is great for families is not necessarily great for business travel.  Finding a hotel that caters to the business traveler can go a long way towards making long days on the road and nights away from family more bearable – and more productive.

Hotels for Business Travelers – What To Look For

1.  Internet Access

When I travel for work (or rather, when I used to travel for work), the very first thing I ask about when I’m booking a hotel is Internet access.  Is it available in-room, or just via a business center?  Is it wireless, or will I be sitting at a desk plugged into an ethernet cord?  And, most importantly, how much is it going to cost me?

The best hotels for business travelers will have free wireless internet access in the hotel rooms.  At the very least, you’ll have the option to purchase wireless internet access at a reasonable rate.  When booking your room, be sure to ask if the hotel has a membership program that offers free internet to its members.

2.  Work area in the room

My favorite hotels to stay in for business are Embassy Suites.  This is primarily because most of their rooms offer a separate seating area with a large desk and comfortable chair – one that is actually designed to sit in for long periods of time.  Sure, I can check my email sitting on my bed with a laptop perched on my legs.  But if I have hours of work to do, I’d prefer the option of an actual workspace.

3. On-site restaurant

While I avoid hotel restaurants when I’m traveling with my kids, I tend to spend a lot of time in them when I’m traveling alone for business.  It’s nice not to have to hunt down a local restaurant for every meal, and it’s also a convenient meeting area for clients and colleagues you may need to meet with while you’re in town.

4.  Fitness center

If you’re used to exercising regularly at home, a business trip that messes up your workout routine can really affect how well you do your job.  Look for a hotel with a fitness center and make a point of using it at roughly the same time you would go to a gym at home.  The nice thing about traveling alone is that you won’t be leaving anyone alone in your room while you go sweat your stress off for 30 minutes on a cardio machine.

5. Rewards programs

If you travel often, make a point at staying at hotels that offer membership reward programs.  This is a lot easier today now that so many hotels are part of a larger “family” company, with all properties sharing points and perks.  Even if you’re not the one footing the bill, being able to prove you’re a repeat guest may entitle you to added benefits (like nicer rooms, and that free internet access) that will make your stay more enjoyable.

6. Avoid kid-friendly hotels

If a hotel provides great accommodations for a family, it isn’t automatically disqualified as being good for business travelers.  But if there’s an in-house water park and a 1500 square foot arcade, chances are good you’ll hear the pitter patter of little feet running up and down the halls outside your door in the middle of the night.

The key to making the best of business travel is to make yourself as comfortable as possible.  No hotel will be quite like home, but choosing hotels that cater to the specific needs of the business traveler makes a difference.

What tips do you suggest for other business travelers?

Kid Friendly Hotels

Picking the right hotel for your vacation is about much more than finding the best price.

When looking for a hotel, it’s a good idea to consider the kind of vacation you’re taking, who is staying with you, and what kind of hotel amenities are best suited for your unique vacation.

In other words, the best hotel for a romantic getaway may not be the best hotel for a family vacation with two small children.

Kid Friendly Hotels – What Amenities to Look For

1.  Continental Breakfast available on-site.

Small children don’t need an elaborate meal three times a day.  They do, however, need something for breakfast.  The more easily accessible, the better.

While a nicer hotel may have a restaurant that offers a full buffet and omelet bar, I much prefer an inexpensive hotel with a simply stocked continental breakfast when I’m traveling with my kids.  It’s generally a lot easier to set little kids up with a bowl of cereal in a small dining area that accepts footie pajamas as part of their dress code.  Traveling with kids means a lot of time spent in restaurants, and any chance to avoid that stress while still getting a decent meal is worth watching out for.

2. A pool is a plus.  A jacuzzi is completely unnecessary.

Little kids love to swim.  Or, at the very least, they love the idea of swimming – even if the reality is sitting on the pool steps for hours in their swimsuits.  But their expectations are low when it comes to a good hotel pool.

Water?  Great.  Shallow end?  Fantastic.  Clean?  If mom says so.  A jacuzzi and sauna room are less than an afterthought and should, in fact, be avoided by small children if possible.

3.  Extra sleeping area available – pullout couches, cots, massive floor space.

I always underestimate how much sleeping room my children are going to need when we travel.

“Oh, the little one can sleep with us.”

“Hey, the two little ones can bunk together.”

And then the little one is jammed between two big people in a double sized bed and the two big people end up with very little sleep.  Or the two little ones decide that this is the night that they cannot stand anymore of her touching me!

I’m all about giving up a little convenience to save a few bucks, but a good night of sleep when you’re on vacation is much more than a convenience.  Check with the hotel before you book to verify the size of the beds and the availability of cots.

4.  A bathtub.  Not just a shower – an actual bathtub.

If your kids are used to showering at home, than this is a non issue.  But if you’re traveling with a toddler, you may not want to introduce showering and water in the eyes on your oh so perfect family vacation.

Some hotels offer stand up showers only in some rooms, but have regular sized bathtubs in other rooms.  If you book your reservation by phone, ask about a room with a tub.  If you book your room online to save money, call the property you’re staying at after you’ve booked and request a room with a tub.

Ironically, you’ll usually find these amenities in a less expensive hotel.  Luxury is, apaprently, reserved for adults.  But when you’re on a family vacation, the best luxury is being able to stay some place where everyone in the family can feel relaxed and at home.

I love to travel, so I’m usually pretty excited to arrive at any hotel room, even a small and plain one. As long as it is clean and blood-free, I’m happy.

Some people are pickier than I am, and for those people I have good news: German engineers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering and Organization have created the perfect hotel room.

The scientists used data (it’s a German Institute — of course they did) to figure out the most relaxing characteristics to build into the room. This includes curved walls, because angular rooms are depressing, a bed that rocks from side to side like a baby’s cradle, and a special machine in the bathroom that sends out lemon scented steam.

You really have to see it to get a feel for the magic. Watch this video of Steve Rosenberg from the BBC as he explores all of the (curved) nooks and crannies tries out all of the cool features of this Hotel Room of the Future.

Now we just have to wait for someone to build a hotel using these principles. With all of those amenities, I’m guessing it will be deluxe luxury property, so start saving your pennies now!

It’s a fact of traveling — sometimes you need to pick your hotel to be convenient to the airport. At a major hub like Chicago O’Hare, you have flights arriving and departing at all hours of the day and night. If you find yourself at O’Hare and in need of a place to stay, here are choices that fit any wallet.

Chicago O’Hare InterContinental

InterContinental Hotel O'Hare

The amazingly luxurious standards of the 4-star InterContinental brand, with the convenience of a location five minutes from the airport. The hotel offers every amenity, from suites with deep soaking tubs, original art work in the rooms and high threadcount linens.

InterContinental Hotel O'Hare

There is 24 hour complimentary shuttle service to airport, an art museum on site, and maid service twice a day. All this service starts at the surprisingly affordable rate of $149/night.

Renaissance Chicago O’Hare Suites

Renaissance Suites O'Hare

For a little less, you can still find spacious and comfortable lodgings. The Renaissance Chicago O’Hare Suites is located close to the airport, and offers guests free 24 hour shuttle service. This Marriott property prides itself on a warm and friendly atmosphere. The suites have separate sitting and sleeping areas, which is so nice if you’re traveling with your family. Updated amenities include in room refrigerators, two tvs in each suite and wifi. Rates start around $109/night.

The Comfort Inn O’hare

Comfort Inn O'Hare

If you’re looking for something a little more simple (i.e. inexpensive) the consistently reliable Comfort Inn O’hare is located just two miles from the airport. Guests can use the free shuttle service to both O’Hare International Airport and the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.

Rooms at the Comfort Inn O’hare look pretty utilitarian, but they are roomy and clean. Free of charge, guests also receive a full breakfast, wifi in all rooms, a morning paper, and local calls.  If you have time to kills, there is a workout room and spa, with a whirlpool, or you can do some laundry, which is great if you’re on an extended trip. Rooms start around $80.